John and I are saved and sanctified Christians and have been working in the church all of our (29) married years.  God has blessed us with talents which we've used for Him by teaching Sunday School and mission lessons, working with youth, singing in choirs, administrative and bookkeeping duties, construction, board members, Work & Witness Teams, and local mission teams.  Of all the areas God has allowed us to serve, missions have always been our passion.  Over the years, we've been privileged to be part of 20+ Work and Witness Teams in Central and South America.  Most trips have focused primarily on construction

. . . building churches, communication buildings, parsonages, orphanages, and schools.  Each experience has been fulfilling, yet there has been a restlessness and yearning in our hearts for something more.

    In September 2007, we were privileged to be part of a 19 member team to the Nazarene Theological College (NTC) in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Our primary mission was refurbishing classrooms.  However, God multiplied our labor and we were able to accomplish refurbishing the church, cafeteria, children's education building, and bathrooms, plus painting the outside of two buildings.

    Prior to our arrival, the missionaries and nationals at NTC worked for three years to gain approval from the South African government to begin a BTH program for campus and on-line students.  The successful approval for this program opened NTC's impact to students all over the world and immediately multiplied the need for on-campus teachers, on-line advisors and a business manager.  John and I met with the missionaries to discuss the experience and requirements needed for those positions and NTC immediately became a priority on our prayer list for men and women to fill those jobs.

    Through the inspiration of an older adult student, God began urging John to finish his Master degree in education.  In less than a month of returning home he was enrolled in the Master program with University of Phoenix.  During the ensuing eight months, God has blessed and continued to open our hearts and minds to the idea of full time service at NTC after John has completed the course of study in May 2009.

    In April I sent Dr. Anna-Marie Lockard, PhD, Vice Principal for Academic Affairs at NTC a birthday greeting.  Her response was immediate and surprising as she requested both our resumes, asked how soon we could come, whether I'd consider being their Business Manager and how long could we stay?

    After much prayer and counseling with NTC missionaries and our Pastor, we are currently in process of relocating to Johannesburg, South Africa to be self-supporting missionaries in the areas of teaching and business management.  We have sold our home, automobiles, and most of our furniture.

     We’re excited and anxiously await all God has prepared for us in South Africa.   In one way or another you are all near to our hearts.  We have committed to one year at NTC and we’re keeping an open mind and prayerful heart for continued service as God directs.  We are praying for a clear direction of God's perfect will in our lives, discernment, obedience and finances. 

    John and I thank you for your love, friendship, prayer and support.  You are in our thoughts and prayers and we look forward to the next time we meet.

We are in Christ's service,

John and Debby Scherer